A pickup truck’s tire separation apparently caused an accident that killed 15 people in rural South Texas, according to the Associated Press.
The crash involving a 2000 Ford F-250 pickup truck took place Sunday night on U.S. Highway 59 between Goliad and Beeville, Texas, AP reported.
The truck, overloaded with 23 suspected illegal aliens — from Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras — went off the highway and hit a tree. There were 11 people dead at the scene, and four others died later at the hospital, according to AP. The 15th victim died Tuesday.
Another eight people are still in the hospital.
The truck was headed to Houston, and officials blamed the crash on “front right tire separation,” AP reported. Authorities didn’t comment on whether the tire had a defect or if it was just worn, and its brand wasn’t disclosed.